Alex, a photographer, and Rebecca, a freelance PR & copywriter, live in this renovated Victorian semi-detached home with their two young children. When they first stepped into their Winchester property, it was tired and needed some love. They saw beyond the damp and the blown plaster to the potential beneath, keen to blend the house's traditional charm with a more contemporary finish.

Alex and Rebecca were looking for a home with character; something they could put their own stamp on. A new build never really appealed, as they preferred the quirks of older houses, like slightly wonky stairs and unusual corners. It was the worst house on the best street, but it was affordable and full of charm. In 2024, the couple tackled a full renovation and ground floor wraparound extension with Resi, moving walls and extending out to create a bright, open-plan family space tailored to their lifestyle.

Rebecca led on all the interior design choices, creating a calm, warm and welcoming space. She did this through her use of earthy tones, limewash walls and clean lines, softened with texture and traditional touches. They did their research and got creative, sourcing pieces from a mix of places including local suppliers, Etsy, IKEA and even direct from a factory in China. It led to a few delays, but it saved them some money and meant they didn’t have to compromise on getting exactly what they wanted.

It’s now been their first year in the house, and each month brings something new. As a photographer, Alex notices the light constantly; how it moves through the skylights throughout the day, and how it shifts with the seasons. The main living space feels peaceful and calm, but it also comes alive when they have guests over, and the kitchen was designed with this in mind. Cooking for people is their love language, and where their old house could just about squeeze in six guests, they’ve now had up to sixteen round for dinner. With family nearby, friends close, and London just an hour away, Winchester offers them the perfect balance of countryside calm and city connection.

We honestly didn’t know where to start with a project like this. Finding Resi on Instagram felt like the perfect fit, and it really was. Having someone advocate for us and guide us through each step made a massive difference, especially when you’ve got young kids and busy jobs. The dashboard was incredibly useful, it laid everything out, even things you wouldn’t think of, like needing a drainage survey for example. We felt informed and prepared throughout, and it really helped us keep control of the budget and avoid surprises. Resi also helped us navigate obtaining planning permission really smoothly. We initially hoped to go for a two-storey extension, but after consulting with Resi and looking at local precedent, we realised it was unlikely to get approved. Instead, we went with a one-storey wraparound with our designer, and it flew through planning in under seven weeks. Communication was great, everything was transparent, and there was a real sense that they cared about getting it right for us.

Give Alex's episode of Change of Plans a watch.

Photography and videography by Peter Furlong.